The Role of Naqia / Zakutu in Sargonid Politics

Sarah Melville

The Role of Naqia / Zakutu in Sargonid Politics

Sarah Melville

There are more sources for Naqia/Zakutu, the mother of Esarhaddon and grandmother of Assurbanipal, than for all other Sargonid royal women combined. This work constitutes a reevaluation of these sources with an eye to determining which of the modern myths about this woman are supported by the sources and which are mere speculation. Specific suggestions about the part played by Naqia/Zakutu in her son’s overall plan for his empire are linked to form a coherent picture of her role as queen mother.

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There are more sources for Naqia/Zakutu, the mother of Esarhaddon and grandmother of Assurbanipal, than for all other Sargonid royal women combined. This work constitutes a reevaluation of these sources with an eye to determining which of the modern myths about this woman are supported by the sources and which are mere speculation. Specific suggestions about the part played by Naqia/Zakutu in her son’s overall plan for his empire are linked to form a coherent picture of her role as queen mother.